Pizzeria Santaniello — Restaurant in England

I always feel it’s nice to support local independent restaurants and this is certainly an example of such a place, with a really family-run vibe. We visited on a Saturday evening and there were no more reservations being taken, so were lucky to secure a table at all - make sure you reserve if you’re going at peak time! The first thing which unfortunately strikes is how cramped the place is. It’s a large restaurant but they’ve really crammed the tables in, both in the main dining area as well as the extension to the side.

The sheer volume of people in the place, along with wooden chairs on the tiled floor makes it very noisy, although it’s certainly a lively atmosphere. The (what I assume to be newer) extension on the side isn’t quite decorated to the same level as the main area so feels a little detached and ‘no-frills’ but fortunately the level of service from the staff was just as good.

The menu is basic, just as you’d expect a traditional small family run place to be, and naturally pizzas are the focus although there are a few other Italian dishes. The choice of pizzas is very large and the prices for even the most heavily topped ones is reasonable.

Orders were taken quickly from the staff, drinks were served fast and despite how busy the place was, the main meals arrived really quickly. The pizzas were large although there was quite a space left between the edges and the topping, meaning there was probably too much burnt base for the size. However the toppings were generous and cooked thoroughly. Everyone in the group found the size filling enough to not need any desert orders!

The staff were brilliant throughout being really fast, always on hand and friendly. This is a credit to them given how many other diners there were. The noise levels were far too high to make it a relaxing experience though, and being crammed in so tight amongst everyone else was a shame. Other than that though it was a great meal and felt really authentic. I’ll certainly return, just probably not at such a...

Honestly I love Italian food. But our experience here was not good. You have 4.5 star's, I honestly don’t know how. We were served salad, it was iceberg lettuce, 2 tiny tomatoes and 2 slices of onion. Basically we had iceburg lettuce, covered in this slop. It wasn’t even displayed nice. Just thrown on our plate. I had it for a starter. Couldn’t eat it. It was drenched in something, and soggy. It was awful. My husband had steak with iceberg lettuce. Who serves steak with iceberg lettuce. I have never been to an Italian rest, that serves this kind of food. I never complain because I know how hard people work, but honestly, it wasn’t good. The Italian restaurants I go to serve amazing salads , (ie: red cabbage, spring onion, cucumber, tomatoes, grated carrot, Salad leaves, rocket, sauces) this is what a salad should be, not iceberg lettuce. Spaghetti bolognaise really basic, same for lasagna. Just felt food was the cheapest and basic it could be. Would not go again. The staff worked hard and were OK. But food was not good at all. However if I was going to compliment you, deserts were OK, but that's not good enough, better to stay away. Do not...

Calling this pizza mediocre would be both an insult to mediocre pizza, and a blessing to this establishment. I had an order so cannot speak to service and atmosphere, however when considering the pizza, I am simply confused. The base had a stale feeling, the bite was tough and chewy, and it had a strange saltiness which has left me puzzled. As far as toppings go I got minced beef, ham, and peppers. Again, I am confused… my pizza ultimately had no real defining taste outside of mince beef – not seasoned in any way, simply fried and chucked on to the pizza. The ham was very pointless and did not attribute any taste, and the peppers were just extremely large chunks of uncooked pepper which is always lovely.

If you want a nice, or even mediocre pizza, please avoid. Take yourself down to your nearest supermarket and get yourself a crosta & mollica, your tastebuds...